IWAG Newsletter March 2024

WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE

by Maria Fischer

Dear Members,

Spring has arrived and in order to celebrate it in style, we cordially invite you to our Spring Fair at the exclusive Paragraph Hotel on Freedom Square. This is another initiative that an avid IWAG team is undertaking to enable Georgian talents in arts-n-crafts, tourism, fashion, cuisine and much more to present their wares while helping us raise funds to support our many charitable causes.

Please spread the word and join us on Sunday, 14 April. Bring along your family and friends for a fun-filled time right in the middle of Tbilisi. We’re sure you’ll have a most enjoyable time.

In this issue, enjoy getting to know Anna Jewell

You will also find more specifics about some of our other completed CPC projects, fundraising successes and contributions by very engaging IWAG members

Thanks to many individual narratives about special women around the world, our members made our commemoration of International Women’s Day at the Sheraton very special and endearing Enjoy reading about this marvellous and uniting morning

We look forward to seeing you at our many upcoming events as the days get longer and warmer, and nature embellishes our beautiful city

Coffee with Anna Jewell

by Hiba Ata and Kelly Chaib

Hiba: Tell us a little bit about your background and when did you move to Georgia.

Anna: I'm American and I came to Georgia in August 2023. My husband works for the International Monetary Fund and we have two sons, ages 13 and 16. Prior to this we were in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We lived there for four years and my husband had the same position. Before that we lived in Maryland just outside of Washington DC. I grew up in New York although my parents are actually both British.

Kelly: But you are also working part time?

Anna: I work for the U.S. Treasury Department. I met my husband there in 2001 and then he later moved to the IMF. Before we left Washington DC, I was working full-time I did a lot of work on China for many years and I speak Chinese When I was in college I lived and studied in China for a year and I lived in Taiwan for two years after I graduated from college. I went to graduate school for International Affairs with a focus on China I now work from home part-time as an international policy economist on issues related to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is based in London.

Hiba: How did you learn about IWAG?

Anna: When I lived in Sarajevo, I was very active in the international diplomatic spouses group there We didn't call it a women’s group, because we had some lovely men who were spouses of diplomats. We had a large winter bazaar fundraiser that I helped organize, with 10,000 visitors the last year that I was there It's something that I think the locals really look forward to and a great way for them to have access to international foods and items that are hard to get in Bosnia. And all the proceeds went to help local children in need I found it a fun and rewarding way to get to know the people of Bosnia. So when I came to Georgia, I

immediately wanted to get involved with a similar organization and I have not been disappointed. It has been lovely to meet so many interesting people from many different backgrounds and from Georgia.

Kelly: How did you come to volunteer for the Spring Fair?

Anna: The Spring Fair was initially conceived by Sylvia Mera, and she asked me to help. I don't have a lot of contacts here yet, so I still have a lot I have to learn and I’m assisting where I can I love that it has been such a collaborative effort and so many different IWAG members are pitching in and helping and working together.

Hiba: You haven't been long here, but still: Have you got some memorable moments of IWAG?

Anna: I really enjoyed the Women's Day celebration. It was wonderful to see so many beautiful women in their native costumes and learn about incredible women from around the world. I've also joined the choir, the culinary adventure group, and the dance class The choir is fantasticour director Nana Kalandadze has so much drive, energy, and she's so talented. I cannot believe that she spends so much time with us. I've started hosting it at our apartment sometimes, since I have a piano I have a Georgian neighbor downstairs She'll call or text me, saying:

Coffee with Anna Jewell

“Oh, you guys are doing ‘Tbiliso’ it's my favorite song!” It is not so much about sounding perfect. It’s more about the experience of joining our voices together I'm also happy to be involved in the fundraising activities of IWA, because that's something that I love. I think it's really important, when you're traveling and living abroad to make sure you give back to the local community and get involved. So I'm joining the CPC and trying to help out there where I can And I am also using some of my skills to help out with the Spring Fair.

Hiba: If you could give any women new to IWA any advice, what would that be?

Anna: Definitely join and do what you have the capacity to do. I sometimes get a little overwhelmed and I can’t always go to all the activities as I would like But it's about participating at your level, at your interest, in line with your ability, and not forcing or feeling guilty if you can't go. Nobody's going to judge you, which I really like. The other thing I would tell them is that IWAG has a more of a Georgian flavor than the other international group that I was a part of in Sarajevo I'm so grateful, because it is so much easier for me to learn about this country and to get integrated. There are all these people that I’m

interacting with on a regular basis, and they're in IWA. So it helps me create networks and meet people and feel comfortable here. For example, Nana Shavtavladze is the language instructor, and I'm actually using her book. And I didn't realize that she was part of IWAG at first. When I met her, it was likemeeting a rock star for the first time!

Hiba: Can you name objects, feelings, or characteristics of Georgia that you will take with you, if you go anywhere else?

Anna: I'm a lover of contemporary art, so I hope to take something artistic back with me that will always remind me of Georgia And the language I think learning Georgian is unique and special I don't expect to become fluent, but I do hope to be able to hold a basic conversation, learn some songs in Georgian, and read the signs without sounding out each letter I love the process of learning a language because you also learn about the culture The way people structure sentences and the way that they describe things show what they think is important And lastly, even just being here seven months, I have already met so many people and new friends I'm never going to forget them either

CHARITY PROJECT COMMITTEE

Memories of the successful EDEC - IWAG cooperation

By Sofio Kupatadze

EDEC has been a non-governmental organization based in Kutaisi/Georgia for more than 15 years, dedicated to identifying challenges (in)formal education and employment and resolving those through sustainable models.

With IWAG’s support, between 2020 and 2023, we installed sensory rooms in Day Care Centers for disabled children in the municipalities of Saguramo, Terjola, Samtredia and Baghdati. Currently, we are providing sensory integration therapy in these facilities, which allows children and individuals with disabilities to process and have an adequate reaction or adaptive response to everyday stimuli received in the natural environment

During those years, 81 persons, including children, benefited from sensory therapy in all four centers.

The continuous growth of EDEC’s programs, such as Civil Society Development, Child Protection, Economic Development and Education, allowed the establishment of a new social service-specialized organization.

So, HEAD was established in May 2022 as a spin-off organization of EDEC to focus solely on developing equal opportunities for children and adults with special needs, protecting and implementing the rights of children and young people with special needs, and supporting their integration into society.

Today, HEAD runs five Day Care Centers for People with Disabilitiesin Kutaisi Baghdati, Terjola, Samtredia and Saguramo, and five Therapy Service Centers in Kutaisi, Terjola, Baghdati, Zugdidi, and Saguramo. It is also a pioneer and good example of development standards in working with people with disabilities.

Since 2008, EDEC / HEAD has already provided day care services to more than 300 beneficiaries and additional therapy services to about 600 people, always per the latest scientific findings, lessons learnt and requests of beneficiaries, guardians and staff. Nowadays, HEAD is working on the construction and opening of a new Day Care Center in Baghdati, especially for adults with disabilities.

We invite IWAG members to get involved in our activities. The Day Care Center Saguramo is not far from Tbilisi, so special offers or ideas are always welcomed. Additionally, donations in kind or activity support are highly appreciated. Volunteers are welcomed, of course. Just contact me: Sofio Kupatadze at my phone office: +995 (0) 431 25 13 30, mobile phone: +995 (0) 598 45 45 63, or by email: contact.head.ge@gmail.com.

Donations to Armenian refugees from Nagorno Karabakh in honour of Anush Klimczyk

by Johanna Muehlmann and Nana Dvali

IWA recently made a donation in honour of Anush Klimczyk, our long-standing and dear member who passed away in August last year.

Anush was an IWA member for 15 years and during that time she served on different committees. Her last post was with the Charity Project Committee. Anush helped needy people in Georgia not only through the CPC projects but she contributed a lot personally

Since Anush was Armenian, we decided to offer the amount of 7,000 Gel to Armenian refugees from Nagorno Karabakh, who moved to Spitak and Armavir in North and West Armenia. This amount was raised at the Winter Fair 2023 through the IWA table and Tombola

In coordination with the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Ashot Smbatyan, four specially designed heating ovens could be bought for families who have moved permanently to Spitak. In addition, 6 families that now live in Armavir could be supported financially to be able to cope with daily needs such as clothing and heating. Most of these families plan to stay in the area and, with the help of NGOs, develop income generating activities such as Baklava baking and beekeeping.

FUNDRAISING

Let's make the Spring Fair a great success together!

By Silvia Mera and Anna Jewell

Spring is in the air, and IWAG is celebrating in style!

In the upcoming IWAG Spring Fair on Sunday, April 14, at the new Paragraph Hotel in Freedom Square, you will be able to shop for fabulous crafts by Georgian artisans, gather recommendations to go beyond the beaten paths of this magnificent country and enjoy presentations and tastings of lovely Georgian wines and other packaged foods such as cheese, sweets, and tea. And, to cater to all members of the family, there will be a fun and entertaining children’s corner featuring arts and crafts, games, a special reading area with children’s books to try and buy, and even a Karate Zone.

But the Spring Fair Team will need all the support our members could offer. Here you can see the different ways you could get involved:

Volunteers at the fair! Please fill out this Google Sheet with your information and which time slot and task you would like to help out with:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1rPY2nVVlz7HH10o9Hff-vOwBwBda1Jdmeiwim2gvOU/edit

You can also sign up in person at the next monthly IWA meeting.

Donate items or services to sell at the IWAG table or to include in the raffle! We will be happy with whatever items you think will delight our visitors and raise money for our charities. The main contact is

Elena Rotundu at +995 551 58 50 10.

Donate children’s books to sell in the children’s corner! We would happily accept children’s books in Georgian or other languages. You can bring these books to the Paragraph Hotel the morning of April 14 or bring them to Nana Dvali’s office beforehand.

Help us spread the word! Please tell your family, friends, co-workers, visitors, and anyone else to ensure a large turnout.

We hope you can join the fun on April 14!

The Women who have inspired us

by Kelly Chaib

At the March GBM, IWAG members celebrated International Women's Day with a fun gathering; they wore their national dresses and presented the women from their countries who have inspired them and the closing of such amusement encontre. It was led by Maia Bakradze, with a Fashion Show with elegant Georgian dresses, which rescue traditional styles while modernizing them

From Armenia, Dr Virginia Apgar was presented This American-Armenian woman, born in 1909, developed the score that should evaluate the first five minutes of a newborn's life. Besides being a medical legend, Apgar was a woman of many firsts and received numerous awards and honours. She was fourth in her class of 90 and one of only ten female students.

Being discouraged from continuing as a surgeon, she became the first woman anesthesiologist. 1949, she became the first woman to become a full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Next, the representative of Colombia explained the life and work of Maria Cano, a poet, writer and the country's first female political leader. Called the "Flor del trabajo" (Labor flower), she led the struggle for fundamental civil rights and the rights of salaried workers and was a cofounder of the Socialist Revolutionary Party. Unfortunately, her career as a politician finished with the Banana Massacre in 1928 Cano was leading a strike against United Fruit Company, now Chiquita, and after several weeks with no agreement, the Colombian government sent the Army, resulting in the massacre of 3,000 people;. However, the official figures counted nine since the soldiers threw the bodies into the sea.

From Georgia was introduced the national icon, King Tamar, the first woman to rule Georgia in her own right. Tamar's reign (from 1184 to 1213) is associated with political and military successes and cultural achievements, presiding over the apex of the Georgian Golden Age She embarked on an energetic foreign policy aided by the decline of the hostile Seljuk Turks. Relying on a robust military elite, Tamar was able to build on the successes of her predecessors to consolidate an empire which dominated the Caucasus until it collapsed under the Mongol attacks within two decades after her death.

The following person on the podium introduced an Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate, Narges Mohammadi, who has been a vocal proponent of mass feminist civil disobedience against the hijab in Iran; she established a human rights movement campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty Her activism has led her to 12 times arrested and five times sentenced for a total

The Women who have inspired us

of 30 years of prison and 154 lashes During her time in prison, she wrote several human rights researches and important revelations, including a book, "White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners." In October 2023, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while in prison

From Romania, five inspiring women were presented in different fields, covering everything from politics to sports and music. But here we are going to include the scientific contribution of Ana Aslan, aa Romanian scientist, biologist and physician, world-known for her pioneering work in gerontology and for creating Gerovital, an anti-ageing treatment. She was born in 1897; she established the Institute of Geriatrics in Bucharest in 1952. Her work on Gerovital H3 gained international attention, and various celebrities and public figures have used the treatment.

The heartfelt presentation of the representative of Germany was followed by an extensive presentation by two women from Turkey and by the presentation of the representative of Switzerland The closing with a flourish was the presentation about Luba Nimciv Weinheimer, a Ukrainian opera singer and mother of one of our members, who developed her career after migrating to America.

Sign up to our fantastic range of interest-groups now!

by Interest Groups - Leader Tea Chkuaseli

Good News for the Tbilisi Residents!

by Kelly Chaib

Don't throw away the little slippery solid soap scraps. From now on, you can take them to Zero Effect Space. They are collecting them of all sizes, colours and smells.

��P. Melikishvili's number 7.

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